Page 96 of Spilling the Tea

Zoey crossed her arms over her chest. “And just how am I getting played?” Since the woman was blocking the door and seemed intent not to move, Zoey figured she’d let her have her say.

“That necklace you’re wearing. I bet you don’t know who it originally belonged to.”

She recalled Ravena making a similar assertion a few weeks ago when Zoey was having lunch with Ms. Felicia. “Yes, I do. It once belonged to my grandmother Arabella.”

Ravena laughed. When her laughter subsided, she said, “It originally belonged to your great-grandfather Waylon Satterfield’s lover, who was none other than Victoria Madaris. He bought it for her while he was still married to your great-grandmother.”

“That’s not true.”

“It is true.”

“I know all about Waylon’s engagement to Victoria Madarisbeforehe married my great-grandmother, Deedra. However, once they married, he was faithful to her.”

A sneer appeared on the woman’s face. “Are you sure of that? I got it on good account—namely the jeweler who handcrafted the necklace years ago for Waylon Satterfield. Granted, he’s an old man now, but he recalled it was years after Waylon Satterfield got married. That meant that Waylon and Victoria were having an affair—behind Deedra’s back, and Felicia Madaris knew about it. I bet the old biddy was the one who made all the secret arrangements for them to be together. Just imagine her smiling in your great-grandmother’s face while betraying her behind her back.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“If you don’t believe me then ask that old biddy, Felicia.” Ravena then opened the door and left.

Zoey leaned against the sink. Was any of what Ravena had said true? The necklace belonged to Arabella, and she’d been wearing it in that portrait. How would Arabella have gotten it if it had once belonged to Victoria Madaris? Had Waylon broken the promise that he and Deedra had made to each other about keeping their marriage vows sacred despite not being in love?

Zoey took a deep breath, knowing she needed time to think and couldn’t do it here. Leaving the lady’s room, she went to where Chance was waiting for her. He frowned when he saw the look on her face. “Zoey, what’s wrong?”

“Please take me home, Chance. I need to go back to the cabin?”

“Why?” he asked, standing. “What’s wrong?”

Instead of answering, Zoey turned and walked out of the tavern.

***

“Will you tell me why you’re upset, Zoey? What happened in that bathroom?” Chance asked, pulling his truck out of the parking space.

“Ravena happened.”

He put on the brakes. He hadn’t known Ravena was there. “What the hell did she say to you?”

“It’s a matter of what she told me. She claims my great-grandfather and your great-grandaunt were having an affair while he was married to Deedra. She also said Ms. Felicia befriended my great-grandmother while covering for them.”

“That’s bullshit, and you know it.”

“Do I, Chance? Do you? Ravena says she has proof that the necklace I’m wearing was a gift Waylon gave Victoria while married to Deedra.”

“Then how did your grandmother Arabella get it? She’s wearing it in that picture.”

“I don’t know, Chance.”

“The one thing I know about Mama Laverne is that she is a God-fearing woman who strives only to do good and will help those she can. You’re proof of that. She’s not perfect, but she would never do what Ravena has accused her of doing.”

“Right now, I’m confused. When Ms. Felicia and I ran into Ravena at that café, she mentioned something about my necklace. Although she tried not to show it, I could tell your great-grandmother had been rattled by the comment. I have a gut feeling that your great-grandmother is keeping something about this necklace from me, Chance, and I don’t know what it is.”

Chance felt himself getting angry. “Mama Laverne has only been kind and open with you, Zoey. This is how you repay her? By believing Ravena’s lies?”

“I didn’t say I believed her. I need to think about what she said.”

“You wouldn’t have anything to think about unless you believe it’s true.”

“That’s not fair, Chance.”

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